Karen Ansell, Medicare Insurance Agent

Answer: I can understand why you think you are getting conflicting advise. there are multiple factors why to draw early or wait. And they all depend on you.

1. are you continuing to work. if so this can effect the amount you will draw or may put you in a higher tax bracket.

2. Look at your overall financial situation.

3. If married can effect your spouses benefits when you pass away.

4. if you are in poor health or may have a shorter than average life expectancy it may be better to draw early.

and more...

Taking Social Security at 62 instead of waiting to full retirement for example 67 can reduce your monthly benefit by 30%.

Break-Even Age:

The break-even age is when the cumulative benefits received from claiming at full retirement age (or later) surpass the cumulative benefits received from claiming at 62. For most people, this is around age 78 or later.

I advise to speak to a financial advisor can help you assess your specific situation and make an informed decision.

Answer: That is a good question.

Your spouses employer is the one who determines whether you will continue to have employer coverage. I would contact the HR department or call the number on the back of your card and they can give you a number to call to find this out.

If your employer coverage does not continue do not worry. You have a special enrollment period under Medicare of up to 8 months to apply for parts A & B. You will need to fill out forms CMS-40B and the employer fills out form CMS-L564 and either hand deliver or fax or upload into the Social Security office.

If you already have A & B and are just needing a Medicare supplement or other Medicare plan you have 63 days of when your group plan ended to apply for them with no health questions asked. You will also need a prescription plan.

Answer: No you did not make a mistake. Medigap plans are good anywhere in the United States as long as the provider accepts Medicare and the charge is approved by Medicare.

Some of the Medicare Advantage plans have nationwide coverage. This does not mean it covers all Medicare providers. Also in an emergency situation the plan will pay any Medicare approved provider.

Example. I live in Jacksonville, FL. Mayo in Jacksonville does not accept any Medicare Advantage plan except in an emergency situation.

Answer: Those Medicare recipients who have brand name drugs will benefit the most.

All approved medications are capped at $2000 annually.

This means any deductible and copays you pay will go towards the $2000.

And if your copays are less than 25% of the Medicare total cost of the drug then the 25% will go towards the $2000 making your cost even lower.

Answer: After an annual deductible of $257.00 the plan G should cover all costs as long as Medicare approves the charges.

Answer: You can go to the insurance plans website and check to see if her doctors are in network.

I would always advise to work with a broker who can check all the plans in her area. This will save you time and you will have a professional to assist you in finding the best benefits and large network of providers.

Answer: If you missed your 7 month window to sign up for Medicare A& B you can sign up during your general enrollment available January 1st through March 31. You may also qualify for another guaranteed issue which will give you another option to sign up.

Answer: Yes, 2025 Part D changes will help those on expensive medications.

The out of pocket maximum for Medicare Part D plans is $2000.00. As long as the medication in approved by your insurance company. You can check on www.Medicare.gov what your out of pocket costs will be monthly and approximately when you will hit the $2000 out of pocket maximum.

Answer: Information on the new Part D plans will be available October 1st.

I have found the best place to compare is www.Medicare.gov.

Answer: The out of pocket costs for part D for a Medicare recipient is capped at $2000.00 for 2025.

This includes the deductible and copays as long as the medications is approved by the part D insurance plan.

Answer: Medicare supplements or Medigap plans are standardized in most states. These plans are A-N and the plans themselves are different depending on the letter plan you choose. Once you choose a letter plan that plan has identical benefits no matter which insurance company you choose. Insurance companies differ on premium and customer service. Some Insurance companies offer added benefits such as gym membership, and discounts on vision and hearing.

There are three states that have their own unique plans: Massachusetts, Minnesota and Wisconsin. In these states you will find different options than the lettered plans.

This can be a confusing process, I advise to work with a broker who represents many companies so they can advise you on the bet plan for your individual needs.

Answer: Over the years Medicare has spent millions of dollars on fraud , waste and abuse from people intentionally deceiving Medicare resources for their own personal gain.

You can take steps to help protect Medicare for the future.

1. Check your Summary of Benefits you receive from Medicare to make sure the charges are correct and that you actually received them.

2. Make sure you have a secure account with Medicare and do not give out your Medicare number to anyone you do not know.

3. Report to 1-800Medicare any charges or supplies you receive that are not correct.

Answer: You have several options to help with medication costs.

1. Look into Low Income Subsidy which is through your state. This benefit can assist you with your Part D premium and costs of your medications. You can apply through www.Medicare.gov or www.ssa.gov. You must meet certain income and resource limits.

2. I also recommend contacting the pharmaceutical company who makes the medication.

They may have programs available to help with the medication costs and are easier to qualify for.

3. Consider an alternative medication with lower copays.

4. The 2025 Part D prescription plans have a maximum of $2000.00 annually out of pocket for all your medications together.

Answer: Yes, a Medicare part D plan can deny coverage for a brand if a generic is not available.

All plans have formularies which is a list of medications that they cover. Even though that specific medications might not be covered they must have meds that are covered for all illnesses.

Answer: Yes they can be very helpful but you are right depending on the group giving it can sound like a big sales pitch. I would attend several meetings and then work with a local agent who can help you choose the best plan for your individual needs.

Answer: Medicare Part D pays the costs of medications with a deductible and copays up to a maximum of $2000.00 out of pocket for covered drugs. Without Part D seniors could incur much more out of pocket with no maximum out of pocket.

Answer: Mental Health for us seniors is very important. I just turned 65 and have been having virtual calls with a psychologist once a week which is covered by Medicare and my Medicare Advantage plan.

Answer: I think many seniors assume they will automatically be enrolled into Medicare when they turn 65. I recently turned 65 and the info I got from Social Security was late and hard to understand. And of course we know trying to call Social Security is very difficult.

I think Medicare info needs to be gotten to Medicare recipients 6 months before their bday.

Keep the info short - If not drawing a monthly Social Security benefit check you need to physically sign up for Medicare yourself 3 months before your birth month.

Seminars are a great way to draw business.

Answer: I believe these commercials are misleading and should be banned. These celebrities will not be your agent and are not a licensed agent.

Answer: You will normally have a copay or coinsurance for eye surgery. Please look at you evidence of coverage book to determine this.

Answer: This is a personal question.

Many people like having straight Medicare and a part D prescription plan because more doctors accept straight Medicare. However you will owe the part A & B deductibles and normally 20% of the approve with no out of pocket maximum.

I would advise a Medicare Supplement with straight Medicare to pick up some of the out of pocket costs.

Medicare Advantage plans have their place but normally have a network of doctors and hospitals to adhere to and have prior authorizations for care. They also have copays and coinsurance but do have a maximum out of pocket you would spend in a year. Most do offer some coverage for dental, vision and hearing as well.

Answer: I hate that seniors are bombarded with these ads and phone calls. The government is suppose to cracking down on this but I have not seen it. I turned 65 in 2025 and my phone rings constantly with people trying to sell me plans.

Answer: It is unlikely that Medicare will run out of money before you benefit from it.

Medicare part A is predicted to run out of money by 2026 but tax revenues will support probably with lower benefits.

Answer: There are many things I would change about Medicare.

I would have regular Medicare cover dental, vision and hearing aids.

Medicare Advantage plans should have better customer service.

Answer: It does not effect your Medicare coverage or eligibility however it could effect your premiums. Your income and your spouses is counted towards the income related monthly adjustment amount or IRMAA. If your income together are over a certain amount you will pay higher premiums for your Part B of Medicare.

Answer: You have several options and should discuss them with your HR department to see which is best for you.

You can continue your federal plan and not choose Medicare or the can choose Medicare A & B and keep you federal plan and benefits will be coordinated.

Answer: Yes Medicare should cover dental, vision and hearing. We all know dental issues can cause many other health issues and a person with hearing issues can feel isolated and depressed. Which both will cost more in the long run.

Answer: Some hospitals are not taking Medicare Advantage plans. Because of prior authorizations leading to higher administrative costs and reimbursements taking so long.

Answer: As the population ages it will put a strain on Medicare part A. Increased hospital stays and less revenue is an issue.

Answer: There have been several laws passed that are protecting this from happening. Such as the Income Related Monthly Adjustment Amount "IRMAA." Those who have a higher income pay higher premiums for Medicare. These premiums are on a sliding scale, meaning the more you make the more you pay.

Answer: The main reason for this is that Medicare has income limits for couples, that will effect your Medicare premiums. If one passes away you are now under the single income which can effect your premium.

Answer: Yes, Medicare Advantage plans will cover acupuncture like original Medicare and can offer alternative therapies. make sure you review your plans benefits.

Answer: I have seen many caregivers end up sicker than the person they are taking care of. It is very important for the care giver to take care of their own mental health. Medicare will pay for both in patient and out patient mental health.

Answer: Mental health therapy is covered inpatient and outpatient at 80% by Medicare leaving a 20% copay and one time deductible of $257.00 in 2025.

Answer: The Annual Enrollment period is the time to compare plans and to make sure you get the plan that covers your doctors and medications at the best copays.

Answer: That Medicare will cover the full amount of their bill and that all insurance companies are the same.

Answer: Helping people understand how Medicare works and their Insurance options.

Listening to the client and figuring out witch plan will best fit their needs.